Say no to ingrown hairs!
Say no to ingrown hairs!
Summer means tank tops, short skirts, open shirts and bikinis. Don’t let unsightly ingrown hairs be a problem for you.
Understanding ingrown hair
An ingrown hair is a hair that grows underneath the skin instead of coming up through it. It is generally visible from the surface of the epidermis, where it causes swelling, redness and, at times, infection (folliculitis).
What causes them?
While anyone can develop ingrown hairs, certain factors are more likely to cause them. For example:
- Hair type. Curly hair that grows in a corkscrew pattern.
- Type of hair removal. Waxing, since it pulls out the lining that guides hair growth.
- Shaving technique. Shaving against the grain using a razor with multiple blades.
- Clogged pores.
- Friction. Clothing against skin, for example. In men, frequent, prolonged friction of a cell phone or shirt collar against skin can cause ingrown facial hairs.
Prevention
Follow these few tips and you have a good chance of avoiding these pesky little bumps!
- Exfoliate your face and body once a week, especially the day before you shave or wax.
- Shave in the direction of hair. Avoid dry shaving and try to space it out as much as possible.
- Moisturize your skin. Look for a cream with vitamin A or fruit acids (AHA), which help eliminate dead skin cells and make it easier for hair to break through the skin.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
What about removal?
When you can see the hair beneath the surface of the skin, you can remove it. Use a sterilized needle or tweezers to break the skin where there is swelling. This will release the hair. Once it is out, lightly press the skin to eliminate any pus. Disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol or peroxide.
Pharmacy services
If ingrown hairs are causing your problems or pain, talk to your dermo-cosmetic consultant or family pharmacist for advice.
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.